They started (and still are?) as an Oppo spinoff. Very (very) far from 'total amateurs'.
replyI would very much like something other than a Pixel for GrapheneOS. But let's not get wild expectations based on false pretenses.
Oppo itself released their first smartphone in 2011. So not total amateurs, you're right on that, but it was no Apple or Samsung or HTC. They managed to appeal to geeks and started a niche brand that went mainstream.
replyMarket share declining albeit slowly, customer opinions of each device release declining over time as well & they are generally on the more expensive end of the phone market.
replyMost of the tech enthusiasts who helped them kick off by buying for modding like cyanogen don't go near them now.
They used to be my recommendation to non technical friends and I doubt that I am the only one who long ago changed to other recommendations.
The company needs to revisit their roots in my opinion.